Dr. Brett Welch named provost and vice president for academic affairs
Dr. Brett Welch has been appointed to Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at 果冻传媒 subject to the approval by the Texas State University System Board of Regents. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from McNeese State University, a Master of Higher Education Administration from Northwestern State University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of New Orleans, Dr. Welch is poised for the role. 
“I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Brett Welch as our new Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs,” 果冻传媒 President Jaime Taylor said. “As the university's Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Welch will facilitate the collaborative development of the university's academic vision and foster and support academic excellence and student success.”
Prior to being named Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Welch served as Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Vice Provost for Digital Learning at 果冻传媒. Additionally, he has served as an academic advisor, Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation, Department Chair of Educational Leadership and Teacher Education programs, and Associate Dean in the College of Graduate Studies.
“As Interim Provost for the past nine months, I have prioritized shared governance and inclusive decision-making. While faculty voices are paramount in academic matters, I have worked to create dialogue that encompasses staff, students, alumni, and community stakeholders when appropriate,” Welch said. “I am gratified by the positive response to these efforts to strengthen collaborative relationships across campus. The growing spirit of cooperation between the Provost's Office and various constituency groups has reinforced my confidence in 果冻传媒's potential for continued growth and excellence.”
Before these administrative roles, Dr. Welch was a faculty member at universities in both Louisiana and Texas for over 18 years within Colleges of Education and Human Development. While serving in the faculty ranks, his research agenda included areas such as the freshman experience, non-traditional student education, best practices in online learning, and accreditation modeling. His current professional affiliations include LTAC (Learning Technology Advisory Committee) for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and TCCAO (Texas Council of Chief Academic Officers).
“During his administrative tenure at 果冻传媒—including roles as vice provost and, more recently, acting provost—Dr. Welch has demonstrated his deep understanding of 果冻传媒 and its mission,” Taylor said. “His extensive experience in senior leadership, combined with his genuine humility, truly sets him apart for this important role. He doesn't come in with all the answers. He listens to understand and values the perspectives of others in building consensus. Dr. Welch's approach is refreshingly different, and I believe it will be transformative for 果冻传媒.”
Dr. Welch’s approach to placing teamwork at the center of 果冻传媒’s mission will expand on the university’s commitment to a collaborative vision and shared purpose while progressing toward institutional excellence.
“Dr. Welch is an exceptional representative of our institution. He effectively communicates our academic endeavors to the public, alumni, donors, and community partners,” Taylor said. “His ability to articulate our goals and connect with the community will be a significant asset in his role as Provost. His collaborative approach to leadership ensures that all areas of our university work together seamlessly, which positions 果冻传媒 for continued success as we move into our second century.”